A house RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE ENERGY BURDEN A CRISIS IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND ACTION TO ADDRESS ENERGY AFFORDABILITY CHALLENGES, AND TO RECOGNIZE SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY JUSTICE DAY."

 

Whereas, energy burden refers to the percentage of a household's income spent on energy costs, which can be disproportionately high for low-income communities, particularly in rural, marginalized, and vulnerable communities; and

 

Whereas, some of South Carolina's most vulnerable residents face significant energy burdens, with many households spending a disproportionate share of their income on electric utility bills; and

 

Whereas, energy burden and ensuing electricity disconnections result in serious negative impacts for the affected families and communities throughout this State; and

 

Whereas, serious negative impacts that result from energy burden and electric utility disconnections include, but may not be limited to: (1) health risks and complications when a family cannot heat their home during the winter or cool their home during the summertime, particularly for children, the elderly, disabled, and those with pre-existing medical conditions; (2) economic hardship as families may be forced to choose between paying electric bills or buying other necessities, such as food and medicine; and (3) increased stress and anxiety as individuals and families face uncertainty and worry about how to meet their basic needs, straining mental health and community cohesion; and

 

Whereas, the lack of energy efficient housing and a reliance on an outdated, inefficient electric infrastructure strains the electric grid and is a key contributor to energy burdens in this State; and

 

Whereas, disproportionately homes in low-income areas are often poorly insulated, resulting in higher energy consumption, wasted energy, and unnecessarily high electric bills; and

 

Whereas, energy efficiency plays a critical role in reducing energy costs and addressing energy burdens. Upgrading energy efficiency in homes through improved insultation, energy efficient appliances, and weatherization programs can lead to significant energy savings for families, as well as create healthier living conditions; and

 

Whereas, energy efficiency also contributes to a reduction in emissions and helps this State build a more resilient, sustainable energy system; and

 

Whereas, the expansion of energy efficiency programs, the introduction of affordable energy solutions, and a commitment to equitable access to clean, affordable energy for all South Carolinians, especially those in rural and underserved communities, benefit all in this State; and

 

Whereas, raising public awareness and collaboration among stakeholders is essential to addressing energy inequities and advancing solutions that ensure clean, affordable, reliable, and accessible energy for all South Carolinians; and

 

Whereas, energy efficiency programs should be a focal point in energy discussions throughout this State; and

 

Whereas, electric utilities and stakeholders throughout South Carolina are encouraged to actively engage, identify resources, and strive to provide increased and meaningful energy efficiency opportunities for all South Carolinians, with a focus on how to alleviate burdens on those in rural and underserved communities; and

 

Whereas, "South Carolina Energy Justice Day" should raise awareness and promote engagement among electric utilities and all South Carolinians in an effort to find solutions and expand upon resources in achieving equitable access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all in this State, and to recognize how energy burden impacts the lives of South Carolinians, especially those who live in rural, marginalized, or vulnerable communities; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition submits that energy burden is at a crisis level in the State of South Carolina due to its ubiquitous nature, rate of growth, and worsening outlook. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare energy burden a crisis in South Carolina and call for immediate attention and action to address the energy affordability challenges faced by our residents. In response to this crisis, the State should consider the following measures:

            (1) work with utilities to establish affordable energy rates that reflect the economic realities faced by low-income households and vulnerable communities;

            (2) promote energy efficiency programs that provide support for weatherization, appliance upgrades, and energy-efficient technologies;

            (3) advocate for policies at the local and state levels that address energy burden, focusing on affordability and access for all South Carolinians, particularly those in historically marginalized communities; and

            (4) provide resources for weatherization and critical home repairs, to help families reduce energy consumption and enhance the livability of their homes.

 

Be it further resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize September 24, 2025, as "South Carolina Energy Justice Day."

 

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